How Do You Get to Mock Trial States? Practice, Practice, Practice
5.6.2024
You can sum up the philosophy of the Jericho High School Mock Trial team after winning the Region VII championships last month: Practice. Adults and students alike say their focus and determination has paid off this season.
“This group of students is very committed and dedicated to mock trial,” said first year coach and teacher Alexa Corben. ” We meet twice a week in person, and when we’re not meeting in person, they are figuring out a way to meet with each other outside of school to help each other. They’re a very well-functioning team.”
“This year we’ve just been practicing like no one else. We’re spending every day working hard, attending meetings, practicing our direct and cross examination,” said senior Aaron Sorkin. “It really shows that what we put into practice is getting the results that we wanted this year.”
The team beat out Northshore Hebrew Academy to win in Region VII, which is made up of dozens of schools in Nassau County. This is the first trip to the finals in Albany for any Jericho high school team. Local attorney Michael Roberts has coached the team since his son joined as a 9th grader. He says this team of future lawyers is a joy to watch.
“In the 15 years that I’ve been doing this, this is the most dedicated team I’ve ever seen. They are hardworking and confident. I’ve been trying cases for 37 years and these kids are as confident as any lawyer I’ve seen in the courtroom,” he said.
Team members also credit the team’s success to an ability to adapt and remain flexible.
“We’ve all worked well together, with some of us working on mock trial all through high school. We know our best strengths and weaknesses,” said Keira He. “We have people really interested in researching legal issues and making arguments. It’s why we are able to craft such a great team. We’re passionate about what we do.”
